Screening and Assessment in Addiction Treatment
There are two familiar terms in the addiction treatment field – “screening” and “assessment”. But do most people seeking treatment know the differences between these two processes? Or why screening and assessment are so important to the diagnosis and development of specific treatment recommendations? Screening, and assessment can also enhance positive recovery outcomes. […]
Sober Sex Part Two: Who is this Stranger in My Bed?
When I look back at the two men I dated in the lacuna after my divorce and before I quit drinking, I actually have trouble imagining I was a participant. The choices I made in romantic partners, seemed to be based on how different they were from my ex-husband and how bad they were for me. […]
Singing the Praises of the Adult Art Therapy Coloring Book
I am an art therapist. When I tell people about what I do, I get a lot of: “What the heck is that?” “Like on Law & Order?” “Oh, how New Age!” (Answers to those questions later). Art Therapy… We art therapists are a small community, and our work is often either unseen […]
A Clean, Well-Lighted Sanford House
For some reason, whenever I look back on my first visit to Sanford House, I am reminded of the Hemingway short story “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.” Which is weird when you think about it, because I’m not an old, deaf man and Sanford House is not a café and I no longer drink brandy […]
Eating Disorders – The Mean Girls of Addiction
After more than two years of sobriety, I still find myself qualifying my addiction. I’ll read someone’s biography and think to myself, “God, at least I didn’t drink my perfume.” As if guzzling the Chanel Number 5 is somehow worse than plucking a dead fly out of a glass of Chardonnay and taking a […]
Sober Sex Part One: Inhibited and Tongue Tied
I have a confession to make. I felt sexier when I was drinking. That is not to say I was sexier when I was drunk, but I felt more attractive. And as a single woman, there is no question I was more daring, friendlier and more approachable. I haven’t had a drink in over […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder: How SAD Can Derail Your Sobriety
How SAD Can Derail Your Sobriety I got dressed this morning in my usual black ensemble with boots. It is October after all and autumn is my favorite season. I opened the door and a blast of searing, wet air enveloped me like a life-sized, airline hot towel. Mother Nature gazumped me once again. I’ve […]
